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2014-01-21

CPR GP9u #8252

This is a Kaslo shell,  riding on a Proto2000 chassis with Tsunami DCC sound.  I must extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for Nadeem's continued patronage and patience on this project. Nadeem was precise:  He wanted a "fresh out of the paint shop" build.  A big challenge for me, and I thank him for trusting me whilst I was in relatively "virgin" territory.

The shell, supplied by Kaslo Shops via Point 1 Models, is a resin casting with CPR-specific details.  Nadeem wanted a road unit with a "Pacman" logo, so unit #8252 was chosen.  Most of the CPRs unit with a "Pacman" were built to yard unit specifications, and lack ditch light and pilot-ploughs.

This shell comes cast nearly to perfection. Minor modifications include removing the battery box aft of the cab on the fireman's side of the long hood, adding the louvres below the cab window and the addition of two small "rain gutters" over the louvres on the cab end of the long hood.  Other upgrades include the plate over the dynamic brake fan opening with hand-embossed rivets.  The roof is adorned with a Details West antenna and brass horn.  The fans are some of Cannon & Company's newest products, and they are beauties.  The winterization hatch with etched grille is included in the Kaslo kit.


The chassis is a modified Proto2000 drive system.  The sideframes are from Athearn, with hand-bent sand and brake lines.  The fuel tank was modified with strip styrene.  Details such as the sight glass and fuel filler (recessed into the side sill,) are from Cannon & Company.  The bell and sand filler hatches are Miniatures by Eric brass castings.  Note the hand-bent air tank piping.  The step wells are etched bronze, which also come included in the Kaslo kit. They are superb renderings!


The usual array of hoses, supplied by Details Associates, adorn the pilots on both ends.  To complement these details, Kadee #58 scale couplers were installed.  The decals are by Microscale, and the paint is Acrylic water-based tints from Badger Model-Flex, (CPR Action Red,) and Testors (Semi-gloss black.)  The unit is semi-gloss coated with Testors enamel, from an aerosol can.

...Now... If I could only convince Nad to let me weather this iconic and historic unit...